FIVE YEARS AGO, Abhay Singh Sachal and a group of his Grade 10 classmates at Seaquam Secondary School in Canada's Delta, British Columbia, made their first video call to the Arctic. On the other end of the line: Abhay's 23-year-old brother, Sukhmeet, a volunteer teaching assistant, and his class at East Three Secondary in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. The conversation started with typical teen small talk-asking each other about TV shows, music, and school life. But as the teens grew more comfortable, the chat turned serious. Students in Inuvik detailed the legacy of residential schools on their families, including stories of alcohol abuse and suicide. Seaquam kids shared how they felt helpless to do anything about the threat posed by the climate crisis.
Soon after both groups said their goodbyes, the brothers had an idea: what if the conversation, meant to expand the students' perspectives about life outside their hometowns, didn't have to end? Students across the country, they figured, could continue to benefit from bridging geographical and cultural differences. They called their organization Break the Divide. Today, it facilitates conversations and coordinates community action between youth all over the world. “It all starts with empathy," Abhay says.
This story is from the May 2022 edition of Reader's Digest India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2022 edition of Reader's Digest India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ME & MY SHELF
Human-rights lawyer, activist and teacher, Nandita Haksar is the author of 25 books. Her latest, Shooting the Sun: Why Manipur Was Engulfed by Violence and the Government Remained Silent, looks at the complex identity politics surrounding the ethnic clashes that broke out in Manipur in 2023.
Elevator from the Subcontinent, by Gigi Scaria, 2011
Elevator cabin with three backlit projections, automatic door system with microcontroller, 9.3 minute video.
RD RECOMMENDS
DUNE: PART 2 in theatres (1 March)
22 RIVERS across 22 STATES in 22 MONTHS
A lone canoeist crosses America in search of what binds us together
ELOPEMENT SPRINGS ETERNAL
At the ripe age of 65, we decided to run away and get married
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE TUAREGS
A journey to the Tassili n'Ajjer plateau in Algeria reveals rock paintings dating back millennia
Awarding Excellence
A look back at the 2023 Trusted Brand Award presentation ceremony hosted by Reader's Digest India last month.
The Great Unknown
An unlikely friendship helped my son grapple with divorce, death and ...
NIGHTMARE ALLEY
A couple, fleeing the shelling in Ukraine, are captured by Russian troops. It's up to their frantic son-living 2,400 km away-to get them free.
BE FRIENDS WITH YOUR MONEY (AND MANAGE IT TOO!)
This successful Internet entrepreneur, content creator and bestselling author shares his tips for anyone trying to kickstart their investment journey